Parents' Corner

Five Tips to Make Math Fun for Your Elementary School Child

When you were in elementary school, what was your favorite subject? If you're like most people, the answer is probably not math. Numbers and calculations have a precision that tends to be intimidating. Questions have only one correct answer, leaving no room for error.

Children have a much easier time in school and in life with a positive attitude toward math. Regardless of your personal feelings, you can help your child get over any fears and misgivings with these helpful tips.

• Demonstrate how math is a part of everyday life. Let your child measure out ingredients for baking or budget money during a shopping trip. Seeing the practical applications will demystify the process.

• Have your child keep track of money from allowances, gifts and any other sources. If he has a particular item on his wish list, he can calculate his progress toward saving up for it.

• Use video games and software that incorporate math skills into their activities. This will make math more fun and less of a chore.

• If you help your child with homework, don't be afraid to say you don't understand something. The two of you can work on the problem together and she'll feel less pressure knowing that learning math takes time.

• Make sure your child has all the help he needs. Check to see if the school has a peer-tutoring program or enlist an older sibling.